Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. 14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few. 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So by their fruits you will know them.”
Jesus presents two distinct paths symbolizing the choices individuals face regarding their relationship with God. The "narrow gate" represents the difficult path of following Christ, marked by self-denial, obedience, and faithfulness to God's will. The path to life, or eternal salvation, is difficult and requires discipline, thus only a few find it. The broad road, by contrast, symbolizes the easy and undisciplined life, following worldly desires and temptations, leading to eternal separation from God ("destruction").
Jesus warns against false prophets or teachers who appear to be harmless, but in reality, are dangerous and deceitful. Wolves are often portrayed in Scripture as individuals who seek to lead others away from the truth, destroy the flock (the faithful - sheep), or exploit their vulnerability for personal gain (cf. Ezekiel 22:27). The wolves in this instance pretend to be part of the flock or even shepherds.
Jesus tells his disciples that by examining the fruits of their actions they can discern false prophets. Good fruits symbolize righteous deeds done in accordance with God’s will. Bad fruits indicate a life of corruption and a false claim to prophetic or spiritual authority. Those who fail to produce the fruits of righteousness face eternal punishment (Mt. 3:10). Believers are to judge the authenticity of prophets and teachers not by their words or outward appearances but by the fruits of their lives.
Almighty God, guide us through the narrow gate so that we may walk in the path of righteousness and be faithful to Your will. Help us to discern truth from deception and to recognize the fruits of genuine faith. May our lives bear good fruit that is pleasing in Your sight, and lead us to eternal life with You. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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